If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a snap, the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish gracefully combines tender shrimp, creamy orzo pasta, and a luscious sauce all in one pot—making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is incredibly straightforward, proving that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal full of warmth, texture, and vibrant color.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredient list. Each component is carefully chosen to bring harmony to the dish, from the creamy sauce that coats the orzo to the perfectly seasoned shrimp that adds a tender bite.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp provide a sweet, delicate protein that cooks quickly and adds a wonderful texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it imparts a subtle fruity richness that enhances the shrimp.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Small pasta that cooks evenly and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This creates the luscious, velvety base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balance, preventing the sauce from becoming too thick or heavy.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Offers savory, nutty notes that round out the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle herbaceous touch that brightens the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together harmoniously.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and freshness that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn a bright pink and develop a slight golden sear while staying tender. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside—this quick cooking step ensures they remain juicy and flavorful without overcooking later.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Next, in the same pot (no extra dishes to wash!), add minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until fragrant. This step unlocks the magic of garlic’s robust aroma. Then, stir in orzo pasta followed by heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally as the orzo cooks and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, ensuring each grain is tender and perfectly coated.
Step 3: Combine
Once the orzo is tender and the sauce is luxuriously creamy, return the shrimp to the pot. Toss everything together gently so the flavors meld. The shrimp will warm through once combined, absorbing the rich sauce without losing their delicate texture.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finish the dish by seasoning with dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. These simple yet essential seasonings bring all the elements into harmony, making each bite layered and satisfying. Serve immediately while it’s warm, garnished with fresh parsley—a sprinkle of green that adds brightness and a hint of freshness to each serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a gorgeous finishing touch, lending a mild herbal note and cheerful color. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. These simple garnishes elevate the dish and personalize it to your taste.
Side Dishes
This creamy shrimp and orzo pasta stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to create a full meal, think crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread. The contrasting textures and fresh flavors pair wonderfully and balance the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley or a lemon wedge on the side. You could also plate it over a bed of sautéed spinach or baby kale for a vibrant, colorful presentation that adds little nutritional bonus points.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as satisfying if not more so the next day. Just be sure to cool it down fairly quickly before storing.
Freezing
The One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe can be frozen but is best consumed fresh. If you do freeze it, portion the food into freezer-safe containers and consume within one month. Keep in mind that shrimp texture might change slightly after freezing, so thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy sauce. Stir gently until heated through to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can also use a microwave, covering the dish loosely to retain moisture, heating in short bursts with stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pot.
Is it possible to substitute the heavy cream?
You can! For a lighter version, try half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little flour to maintain thickness, though it may alter the richness slightly.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers works wonderfully and adds color, texture, and nutrition to the meal.
How do I know when the orzo is cooked perfectly?
Orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite to it, similar to al dente pasta. Cooking times may vary, so start tasting around the 8-minute mark.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though broth adds more depth to the dish’s flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s charmingly simple, deeply satisfying, and comes together with minimal effort and mess. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish promises to impress your taste buds and warm your soul. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with every single spoonful!
Print
One-Pot Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender shrimp and orzo pasta cooked together in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp back to the pot and gently toss everything together to combine the flavors and heat the shrimp through.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a spicy kick.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese will give the best flavor and texture.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or a similar small pasta.
